Kate Middleton's Mother Breaks Her Silence With First-Ever Interview

For the first time, ever, Carole Middleton sat down for an interview. As the mother to Kate and Pippa as well as her son, James, she's seen plenty of time in the spotlight, but she's dodged reporters and remained quiet — until now. People reports that Carole sat down with The Telegraph and opened up about why she's maintained radio silence and added in some royal holiday news for good measure.

"Over the years, it’s proved wise not to say anything," she said of why she's avoided the spectacle of the spotlight. She's never commented on Kate and William's relationship and didn't break that clean record with her first interview, ever. Instead, she offered up insight as to how she likes to celebrate Christmas — she's the founder of a party-supply company, after all — and how she preps her own home for a visit from her royal grandchildren.

Carole explains that she likes to have Christmas trees in every room, which gives the kiddos — George, Charlotte, and Louis, in this case — an opportunity to decorate the trees however they please. Carole maintains her home in Bucklebury, 50 miles from London, and adds that Kate and William visit as often as they can.

Carole also spoke about the media's coverage of her apparent silence. She explains that she used to read everything that was written about her and her family, but decided that it wasn't the best approach. She is, she added, just a normal person. She keeps away from the media to maintain that. The press can write whatever they want, because she's not reading it.

"I thought it was better to know what people thought. But it doesn’t make any difference. I'm not really sure how I'm perceived now," she added. "But the thing is...it is really normal — most of the time."

She also noted that she won't be retiring any time soon. She has plenty to do, but she can't pull herself away from work, since it would mean working on other tasks around the house. As long as she can maintain her current routine, she can keep on keeping on, grandkids and all.

"I don’t see myself stopping [work]," she said. "If I did, I'd have to have so many projects on. I'd have to redecorate the house. I'd love to travel but then I'd miss the grandchildren."